Cleethorpes attraction ripped up hours before In Bloom judges arrive

VOLUNTEERS are racing against time to clear up after vandals who trashed a Cleethorpes attraction – ahead of the arrival of In Bloom judges tomorrow.

Two youths on scooters smashed through the gates of Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and ripped up scores of flowers planted as part of preparations for Cleethorpes In Bloom's regional judging.

They were caught on CCTV – which can be viewed at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk – running around the King's Road railway station, destroying flowers and throwing objects at train carriages.

Owner Chris Shaw said: "They have really trashed the place.

"The East Midlands In Bloom judges will be here tomorrow so we are doing everything we can to replant the flowers and get the railway looking at its best again."

As reported, the railway was highly commended in the business category of the Cleethorpes In Bloom local judging last week.

This means it will feature on tomorrow's judging route as one of Cleethorpes' floral highlights.

Chris Shaw, owner of the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, with some of the plants that were vandalised by intruders.

Mr Shaw, who recently upgraded his CCTV recording facilities to a high-quality digital system, has handed footage of the vandalism, which happened on Sunday, to Humberside Police.

He said: "I am just pleased we have CCTV footage . They won't be able to get away with it.

"They have committed criminal damage and breaking and entering.

"I hope they give themselves up before the police go knocking at their door."

This is not the first time the attraction has been targeted by vandals. Last year, the railway's annual beer festival was almost scuppered when youths broke into the site and damaged beer barrels the night before the event.

Humberside Police has confirmed it is carrying out an investigation.

Can you help?

Anyone with information on the incident should call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222, quoting log 3297 of July 6, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.